The difference between grade A, B and C is the quality of the beans - Grade A is also known as gourmet quality; the crème de la crème of vanilla. 

Grade B is the middle tier quality and C is the lowest quality vanilla beans. To learn more about different grades read our blog.

Vanilla beans are best stored in an airtight container that is at room temperature to best preserve the bean’s aromas and moisture content and avoid contact with direct sunlight. Our best recommendation would be storing them in a ziplock bag or a mason jar.

Please do not freeze or refrigerate your pods as mould could grow and they will dry out altering the aroma of your pods. If stored properly vanilla beans can last years!

If stored properly vanilla beans can last years and years! However we would be careful with consuming vanilla beans that have been stored for 5 years or more.

Vanilla extract is a simple but lengthy process which requires you to leave vanilla beans in a neutral alcohol with not too much flavour (e.g.Vodka and Rum) and to leave the beans in the alcohol for 6 months after which the vanilla has completely infused itself with the alcohol leaving you with vanilla extract.

Many factors differentiate both types of vanilla such as aroma and physical appearance. Planifolia possesses strong, bold, creamy and sweet flavour and is thicker, oilier and darker in appearance whereas Tahitensis a more delicate and floral flavour and are more shorter, plumper and lighter in colour.

Split the bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds to use in recipes like custards, cakes, and ice creams.

Yes! vanilla beans can be grown in the US, but primarily in specific regions with suitable climatic conditions. 

Vanilla is an orchid so it needs warm weather which is why Vanilla production comes from tropical countries located just under or over the equator such as Madagascar, Indonesia, Uganda.

Vanilla Beans are expensive because they take a long time to grow and cure in addition to being labour intensive, let’s break it down:

• 2-3 Years: time required for the Vanilla vine to flower from the moment the vine is planted
• 9 Months: the duration the vanilla beans grow on the vine after the flowers are hand pollinated
• 4-6 Months: the duration the beans are cured, which is the process of turning the green beans into the most common form of brown/ black beans .

If we sum it up it takes at least 3 years to produce vanilla beans!